Student Presentation
Zichael Labomarel, M.Sc. Graduate Student (Supervisor: Dr. Avery Berman, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research at the Royal).
Title: Implementation of the QQBOLD Method for Quantifying Regional Cerebral Blood Oxygenation and Tissue Susceptibility during Resting State and Gas-Challenges
Abstract:
The Oxygen Extraction Fraction (OEF) is the ratio of oxygen consumed by tissue to oxygen delivered by blood. While generally very homogeneous across the brain, identifying spatial variations of OEF can provide insight into brain activation, and neurological and cerebrovascular pathology. Many methods for OEF quantification have been developed for MRI, but they tend to demand complicated imaging sequences, external physiological challenges, or a multitude of inaccurate assumptions. Quantitative susceptibility mapping and Quantitative Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent (QQBOLD) is a technique that has been developed as an alternative to these, mitigating many of these drawbacks.
QQBOLD uses widely available multi-echo GRadient Echo (mGRE) imaging and bypasses the need for any external challenges or stimuli, making it an accessible and low-cost option for most research and clinical institutions. Comparisons with gas-challenge Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) methods will validate the efficacy of my implementation of QQBOLD for generating OEF maps.
Here, I’ll discuss my progress implementing QQBOLD with a focus on different QSM algorithms and the isolation of macroscopic magnetic field inhomogeneities.
Member Presentation
Richard Wassenaar, PhD, MCCPM, CHP, Director, Regulatory and EHS, Nordion
Title: The Opportunities and Need for Medical Physicists in Industry Based Health Physics
Abstract:
There is currently a resurgence of the nuclear industry, both in Canada and around the world. This includes refurbishments and operating life extensions of current reactors, new builds including small modular reactors, and increased development and production of current and new isotopes to supply the health care and other sectors. One of the key roles that is required in the industry to support this growth is that of health physicist, who ensures the safety of people and the environment from radiation related risks. In this talk, I will discuss the overlap between medical and health physics and how a background in medical physics is not only well suited for health physics, but that medical physicists are needed within the health physics sphere. There is a strong pipeline for medical physics with in Canada and these skills are directly transferable to the healthy physics sector in industry. I will use a number of real world examples to highlight the important role that medical physics plays in industry-based health physics programs.